Publisher's Summary

The incredible new novel from internationally bestselling author of The Alchemist.
After lying undiscovered for over 700 years, a manuscript holding the answers to a city’s final questions is unearthed from a cave in Cairo. Centuries before, on the eve of the invasion of Accra, the citizens gathered. A man stood before them and invited the people share their fears that he might offer hope and comfort. His extraordinary insights on courage, solitude, loyalty and loss were transcribed and passed on. A timeless and powerful exploration of personal growth, everyday wisdom and joy.

People who bought this also bought...

Customer Reviews

Top Notch Narration is the only reason to listen

Sadly this book is not a story, it is not a novel, it is a collection a translated parables which constantly contradicted itself.

If it was an actual manuscript then it would have been translated. If it was supposed to be a novel, then surely we have the right to expect an actual story? I have up to now enjoyed most of Paulo Coelho's work without reservation, this one however, no, I was always waiting to get past the lecture and on to the real story, which never came. An awful lot of the anecdotes and parables were strung together, many of which the author has told before in other stories. It was also very short and ended abruptly.I do not recommend this book at all.

Considering the hype attached to this book, I expected better, maybe Mr Coehlo needs to spend more time on his work than on social networking for his next book.

The narration however, I cannot fault, Jeremy Irons' voice is like honey, he keeps you listening purely for the pleasure of listening to his narration. It was pure joy to hear his voice, sadly the author could have done better with his book